A few years ago, I was so obsessed with nail art that I’d get it on the regular. The amazing designs that the nail artists could dream up were just pure masterpieces. (Not to mention I’d get compliments left and right and people asking about the little artworks on my fingernails.)
I still have a deep appreciation for nail art, but I’ve been keeping it low-maintenance these days, especially since I haven’t been able to get to a salon that much in the past two years. I know one day I’ll splurge for a session on a special occasion, but for now, I’m just sticking to regular polish.
So what’s a girl to do when she still wants the wow-factor on her nails (and the compliments, of course)? I like to think outside of the box with my colors and opt for something unexpected or eye-catching. It’s a balancing act for me with sheer and traditional colors, and then the neons and metallics.
One hue that always gets me great feedback? Gold nail polish. Yes, if you want to feel luxe and glam, get yourself a gold mani. While it’s not necessarily known as an everyday color, it’s absolutely perfect for special occasions when you really want to turn things up a notch. (And if you wear it as an everyday color, more power to you.)
I love the color for a number of reasons. One, It just takes a couple of coats to get statement-making nails. It’s easy! Two, it’s so festive and rich-feeling. And three, I just love gold jewelry, so it goes great with my accessorizing.
My favorite shade of gold right now is Olive and June’s OJBH. It’s a metallic that looks like literal liquid gold. It’s sleek, opaque, and sophisticated. I swear that every time I wear this one, I feel so fabulous and I always get questions about what shade I’m wearing. The formula is also long-lasting—it’s normally flawless for a week and a half on my nails.
And if you want more gold polish recs, take a look at some more below.
This warmer, darker gold is so unique and different from the other paler hues out there. The formula is nontoxic and has a gel-like texture.
If you want to go for glittery gold, try this drugstore favorite. The polish delivers intense color and it also protects the nails from cracking, peeling, or breaking.
Emilie Heathe’s shimmering gold nail polish is so luxurious and chic, as it’s the right balance of eye-catching and understated. And the formula contains bamboo extract which nourishes and strengthens the nails.
A paler gold, Essie’s Good as Gold polish can go with just about any skin tone. It goes on smoothly and has high shine and durability.
This isn’t just your average gold polish, it has hues of blue and green that are really put on display when the light catches your nails at certain angles. It’s a color you’ll definitely get questions about.
The coolest thing about this metallic nail polish (aside from its shiny hue) is that it’s made with biodegradable glitter. You can use it as a glittery topcoat or on its own.
You don’t need a base coat with this nail polish since there are adhesives in the formula already. This shimmery gold polish will last for up to seven days—and maybe a little bit longer.
OPI’s polish is a yellow-gold hue that’s vivid and bright. The formula gives a gel-like finish that can last up to 11 days.
Olive and June’s glimmering gold nail polish has multicolor specks of glitter. If you’re looking for the epitome of a “party nails,” this is it.
Leave it to Chanel to create a very chic and sophisticated twist on gold polish. It’s a cool and smooth metallic with a high shine. The formula also contains bioceramics and ceramides to strengthen the nails.
Here’s another glitter option for you. This one has a clear base and gold sparkles, so you can use it as a topcoat with another polish or just apply multiple coats.
Prevent or treat any dryness on your hands and nails with this antioxidant-rich moisturizing cream.
The key ingredient in this topcoat is retinol, which hardens and strengthens weak nails and locks in color. It dries in just 45 seconds.
Give your cuticles some TLC with Jinsoon’s cuticle oil. It contains all-natural ingredients to hydrate and restore nails and cuticles.
This nail treatment works to exfoliate dry and dead skin in the cuticle area, which makes for healthier nails.
Elon’s nail conditioner treats cracking, splitting, peeling, thin, brittle, and weak nails. Massage it onto the entire nail area and cuticle to nourish the nails.
You’ve got to have trusty nail clippers that are sharp and precise enough to trim your nails without causing any damage. Try these ones from Tweezerman.
This nail strengthening cream has crazy-good reviews on Amazon—it has over 45,000 ratings and 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s formulated to prevent splits, chips, peels, and cracks. Plus, it will promote healthy nail growth. Next: I Love Expensive-Looking Nails, and This Polish Brand Is My Secret Weapon
